Require tracking of companion animal euthanasia to prevent unnecessary deaths

Every day healthy and treatable companion animals are put to sleep not because they are old or because they are beyond help but because there are limited places for them to go

Their lives end quietly in pounds, commercial kennels, veterinary practices and rescues, often unseen and unrecorded.

Stray dogs can be PTS after 7 days

Stray cats rely on charities not councils

Healthy/treatable animals are euthanised with no record, no transparency, no opportunity for reform

We call on Government to:

* Record when healthy/treatable animals are euthanised * Publish annual data * Introduce a nationwide system to protect stray cats * Scan microchips for Rescue Back Up and registered keeper

Without this data preventable deaths will continue

Every animal deserves the chance to live

Tuks Law

Decisions around euthanising an animal are often complex and emotionally sensitive, particularly when the animal is a cherished family pet. Veterinary surgeons play a central role in these considerations, especially in relation to companion animals. Euthanasia serves as a key safeguard for animal welfare by alleviating suffering, where necessary, while surgeons must also consider the owner’s wishes and circumstances.

The requirements within the veterinary profession already provide safeguards against unnecessary euthanasia. Advice about euthanasia is laid out in the guidance underpinning the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons, which all veterinary surgeons practising in the UK must adhere to. Where a veterinary surgeon considers a request for euthanasia is not in the best interest of the animal, they can challenge this.

In 2021, Defra worked closely with the veterinary profession to provide greater assurance that alternatives to euthanasia are explored before a healthy dog or cat is put down. Following these discussions, the RCVS agreed to incorporate the principle of microchip scanning before euthanasia into the guidance that underpins their Code of Professional Conduct. Checking the details on the relevant microchip database can alert the vet to anyone else who may have an interest in the animal, such as a rescue centre. This information can help inform consideration of alternatives to euthanasia. The Code of Professional Conduct also provides guidance on obtaining consent before euthanasia. The person presenting the animal is required to sign a consent form attesting to the fact they are the owner or are authorised by the owner.